CHORLEY'S Mormon temple is set to be inundated with inquisitive visitors as it opens its doors and secrets to the public.

Tour bookings for a series of May open days soared in excess of 50,000 within 48 hours of the opening of the long awaited hot-line.

Marie Hunt, director of public affairs, said: "It is a unique opportunity for anyone interested to see inside one of these impressive temples.

"It will never be on full view again to the public, until perhaps a refurbishment - which would not take place for another 50 years or so."

The multi-million pound Preston Temple is only the second in the country, the other being in Surrey.

It will cater for all Lancashire's Mormon's, whose ancestors first landed in Preston in 1837.

The huge complex - a third of which is underground - is just off junction 8 of the M61 at Hartwood Green. It contains 147 rooms adorned with paintings, an impressive baptismal font, and a large celestial room at the top of the temple.

The open house will run from May 16-30 except on Sundays. Marie explained: "Tours are free of charge and open to all ages, they last for an hour and start every 30 minutes. Plenty of ushers will be on hand to answer any questions or queries on the temple or the faith.

"Booking is strongly recommended, considering the staggering amount of callers already, although you can still go along without a ticket and queue."

The telephone number for further information or bookings is 413198.

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